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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Jan 2014 : 20:53:56
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GROWING DISPUTE BETWEEN FERRY SERVICES AND SENEGALESE TRANSPORT UNIONS
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Friday, 17 January 2014
The issue of free movement of people, goods and services has been on the agenda for decades, but few countries have reached agreement on the issue of tariffs. Many Gambians who have religious ties in Senegal were worried when they were told that their transports may not be allowed into Senegal. A number of people did not take the risk as they became informed of the border restrictions by the unions. Our findings from the Senegalese side reveal that they have allowed those going for religious reasons to pass and the dispute is attributed to increase in ferry charges for Senegalese vehicles and the type of currency they are asked to use to effect the payment. It is claimed that Senegal and Gambia are two states with one people. This should feature in the bi-lateral relation between the two governments.
All decisions that are likely to affect either country should be tabled for discussion before implementation. This would enable the governments to have first hand information and inform the public accordingly.
A privileged relation between states should not be undermined by narrow nationalist sentiments. The two Governments should meet and issue a Press release to defuse the tension that is building at the border which could harm the spirit of good neighbourliness.
It is true that a sovereign government has power to make decisions without consulting any external authority, but in the case of neighbours it is better to consult before actions are taken that is like to have cross border effect. We will continue to monitor developments.
Source: Foroyaa
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2014 : 20:58:04
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Cross Border Restrictions at Kerr Ayib
By Mustapha Jallow
Foroyaa: Published on Friday, 17 January 2014
Since the 1 January 2014, commercial vehicles from the northern part of Senegal going to the southern part have been prevented by the Senegalese road transport unions from passing through The Gambia. The unions are protesting the decision made by the Gambia Ferry Services for commercial vehicles from Senegal to be paying in the CFA currency instead of the Gambian Dalasi at the Trans-Gambia ferry crossing as from the 1 January.
Visiting the Kerr Ayib post on the Senegalese side of the border on Thursday, 9 January, this reporter was told by transport union representatives that they are preventing commercial vehicles from entering the Gambia in response to the sudden demand being imposed on the Senegalese commercial vehicles to pay in CFA without prior consultation.
Mbakhane Gomis, the representative of the Senegalese road transport union headed by Alasane Ndoye, a National Assembly Member, said they are not pleased with what is happening now because The Gambia and Senegal are two countries with one people who share very close social, cultural and economic ties.
“The problem arose when the Ferry Service of The Gambia introduced the payment of CFA for the Senegalese commercial vehicles that are using the trans- Gambia crossing when we were using the Gambian Dalasi to pay for the tickets,” lamented Mr. Gomis. He explained that what normally happens is that the vehicle owners change their CFA currency into Dalasi when they arrive at the border in order to use the money which is legal tender in the Gambia to pay for tickets at the ferry crossing and to purchase anything they need while in country.
“I believe there should have been prior consultation between the authorities of the two countries on this issue before the ferry services introduce this new form of payment,” he said. He also said that the ferry authorities could have discussed the proposed changes with transport unions in Senegal in order to reach an agreement before introducing it or otherwise.
This consultation, he added, is what has been happening before and that whenever changes of this nature have been planned in the past, the Senegalese unions would be invited for discussion and that agreements were reached accordingly.
“I believe there should be concern and seriousness on the issue to ensure an amicable settlement of the problem since peaceful co-existence and cooperation is what is required to characterise relations between the two countries. The situation should return to normalcy through dialogue,” said the road transport union representative.
When asked whether they have consulted the ferry authorities on the issue, Mr. Gomis said some officials from the Ferry service did come to Kerr Ayib on the first day (1 January) and had discussions with them and then promised to get back after consulting with their superiors. He said since then, they have not seen or heard from them and are still waiting for a feedback. He said what they have done as a union is to divert the route of commercial vehicles going to the other part of Senegal and stop them from passing through The Gambia.
“The vehicles are all packed here on the Senegalese side of the border and those that want to go are asked to take the Tambacounda route which is still within our territory,” he said. On how much they are asked to pay, Gomis said this depends on the type and weight of the vehicle e.g a small car, truck etc. When asked whether the political authorities are aware of the impasse, he responded that as far as the Senegalese government is concern, it is aware of the development, but added that he is not sure whether the Gambia authorities are equally aware.
Abdourahmane Niang, Assistant Sectretary General of the Syndicale Transport Routiere (Senegalsese Road Transport Union) under Gora Houma, interjected that the Ambassador of Senegal in the Gambia is in the picture and has even consulted with the Gambian authorities.
According to Mr. Niang, the CFA currency payment which is now being demanded by the ferry services has increased significantly compared to what has been paid before. He said the amount has increased from 2700 dalasi for a truck loading 50 tons to 4050 dalasi.
“This increase is unacceptable to the Senegalese transport union,” said the transport unionist. He lamented that this is not the first time they are confronting such a situation which affects Senegalese vehicles using the trans-Gambia route, adding that a permanent solution should be found to address this recurrent problem once and for all.
“If the Gambian authorities do not cooperate, then let us adopt what obtains in the other border posts where vehicles drop passengers and goods at the border and allow the vehicles of the other country to carry them within their own territory, such as is the case with Mauritania,” he said. Talking to Baka Ndow, the head of the Car Park (Chef de garage) on Kerr Ali on the Gambian side of the border, he confirmed this non-entry and diversion of Senegalese commercial vehicles from the Gambia, adding that the cause is said to be the demand for the payment of CFA currency at the ferry crossing.
According to him, the union has agreed to allow the vehicles to cross during the period of the Muslim celebration of ‘Gamo’ but would continue with the route diversion if the ferry authorities do not return to the dalasi. When this reporter visited the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) on the Thursday evening to get the version of the officials of either the authority or ferry services, no one was found to talk on the matter. GPA would be visited today to get its side of the story.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2014 : 21:36:40
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GPA Declines to Comment on Cross Border Restrictions Refers to President’s Office for response
By Mustapha Jallow
Foroyaa: Published on Friday, 17 January 2014
Foroyaa has reported about the ongoing impasse at the Senegal-Gambia border crossing at Kerr Ayib as the Senegalese road transport unions are preventing commercial vehicles from entering the Gambia since 1 January, in response to the introduction of the payment of CFA currency by non- Gambian vehicles using the ferry at the trans-Gambia crossing. According to the representatives of the Senegalese transport unions, the management of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) should have discussed with authorities in Senegal the plan to introduce the payment of CFA currency on Gambian territory and see whether they would agree to the proposition. Visiting the GPA on Monday, 13 January, to get answers from the GPA Managing Director on the claims made by the Senegalese transport unions on the imposition of payment in CFA currency at the Trans-Gambia ferry services and not the Gambian Dalasi which is legal tender in the country, the Managing Director through his Secretary referred this reporter to the Office of the President as the appropriate authority to respond to the issue as the Authority is under its purview.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2014 : 14:17:27
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1. Boycott tray Farafenni: Generalization of temper at all border crossings
 Google French translated news in English reported that;
To constrain the Gambians to reconsider their decision to increase ticket crossing, drivers and carriers have clamped down. Now they are all border crossings of the Casamance are blocked. A Siléti at Karang, Keur Ayib like Vélingara "no vehicle will traverse to enter or exit via the Gambia," said Baba Gallé Bâ, regional manager of drivers and carriers Sédhiou.
See beyond the Gambia bend to their will, Senegalese drivers require the laying of the first stone bridge Farafenni and the start of work. According to Baba Gallé Bâ, "because this claim is not satisfied, we will not limit our time in the boycott of border crossings." He added that they will impose an economic embargo on countries Yaya Jammeh prohibiting entry refueling trucks cement, gas, and fuel.
Source: Seneweb Goggle translated french News
2. Related Bantaba Gambian politics topic for effects and impact of D11 Billion Gambia Budget 2014 Estimates |
Edited by - kobo on 18 Jan 2014 14:20:08 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2014 : 16:13:31
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| A very bad translation Kobo. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jan 2014 : 20:18:56
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Ir was translated by a google (Aggggggggg) product after all Momodou 
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
A very bad translation Kobo.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jan 2014 : 20:35:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
A very bad translation Kobo.
Translation featured or published in Maafanta.com stated "Seneweb.com Googletranslate" with exactly the same words. I agree its "bad (direct) translation"  |
Edited by - kobo on 20 Jan 2014 20:41:02 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jan 2014 : 21:04:15
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
1. Boycott tray Farafenni: Generalization of temper at all border crossings
Google French translated news in English reported that;
To constrain the Gambians to reconsider their decision to increase ticket crossing, drivers and carriers have clamped down. Now they are all border crossings of the Casamance are blocked. A Siléti at Karang, Keur Ayib like Vélingara "no vehicle will traverse to enter or exit via the Gambia," said Baba Gallé Bâ, regional manager of drivers and carriers Sédhiou.
See beyond the Gambia bend to their will, Senegalese drivers require the laying of the first stone bridge Farafenni and the start of work. According to Baba Gallé Bâ, "because this claim is not satisfied, we will not limit our time in the boycott of border crossings." He added that they will impose an economic embargo on countries Yaya Jammeh prohibiting entry refueling trucks cement, gas, and fuel.
Source: Seneweb Goggle translated french News
2. Related Bantaba Gambian politics topic for effects and impact of D11 Billion Gambia Budget 2014 Estimates
1. EDITED! IMPROVED REVISED ENGLISH TRANSLATION;
(Senegalese) drivers and carriers have hardened the tone to compel the Gambians (i.e Gambia government) to (withdraw) their decision to increase the ticket from the crossing. Now, all the border posts of the Casamance .. are blocked. (As in) Sileti, Karang, Keur Ayib as(-well-as) in Velingara" no vehicle will pass through to enter or exit via the Gambia ", said Baba Galle Bâ, regional manager of drivers and carriers of Sédhiou.
Beyond (this is to) see the Gambia ... bend ...their will. The Senegalese drivers require the laying of the first stone of the bridge of Farafenni and the start of work. According to Baba Galle Bâ, "(if) both (our) claim(s) (are) not satisfied, we will not limit in time our movement to boycott of the border posts". He added that they will impose an economic embargo in the country of Yaya Jammeh by prohibiting the entry of trucks of refuelling in cement, gas, and fuel.
2. Posted - 28 Jan 2012 : 18:52:36 & Edited by - kobo on 28 Jan 2012 19:10:37 UNDER Related Gambian politics topic Ferry Services Problems!
"REMINDER THAT UNDER RELATED GAMBIAN POLITICS TOPIC: Gambia Government Budget 2012 THESE DEVELOPMENTS WERE COVERED;
3. Related Bantaba Gambian politics topic (archived) Gambia and Senegal sign MOU on Trans-Gambia Bridge |
Edited by - kobo on 20 Jan 2014 21:54:22 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2014 : 20:55:23
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THE GAMBIA / SENEGAL BORDER AGAIN DIALOGUE BEING CALLED FOR BUT NO SIGN OF IT YET
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Readers would recall that Foroyaa had an interview with senior members of the transport Union in Senegal on their decision to appeal to their members at the various border points not to allow vehicles to cross the borders. According to them, the Senegalese vehicles are asked to pay in CFA instead of the Gambian dalasi and that the tariff has been increased without prior consultation. The appeal of the Union heads is being responded to in different ways.
At the Velingara, Basse end there is no enthusiasm to implement the appeal. At Seleti, the application is not vigorous. It is at Kerr Ayib post that the implementation of the appeal is more vigorous. All those interviewed are calling for dialogue. There is still no sign of it.
This problem is not recent. It is a problem that needs tackling. Foroyaa would like to draw the attention of the authorities in particular and our readers in general on the matter. The following is a Communiqué issued in 2005.
“ After several hours of closed-door meeting which was attended by President Olunsegun Obasanjo of Nigeria at the Meridien hotel in Dakar, the two leaders amongst other things agreed to re-open their common borders by 6 a.m. Saturday, October 22nd 2005. They also agreed to re-establish the Senegalo-Gambian permanent secretariat, forge closer consultations and contacts at all levels of government and facilitate the construction of a bridge at the Yilitenda/Bambatenda crossing point on the River Gambia.
The commuiqué reiterated the two leaders' resolve to end the impasse with immediate effect and President Wade has issued immediate and specific instructions to reopen the border. President Jammeh has meanwhile issued instructions to revert to the old ferry tariffs in place before the August 15 increment, in line with a certain clause in a bilateral transport agreement.
The Gambia government will notify Senegal authorities of its decision to increase ferry tariffs in due course. The Dakar communiqué commit the two countries to construct a bridge at the Bambatenda/Yelitenda crossing point on the River Gambia and the construct will be entrusted to Ecowas, which will help in mobilising the necessary funds for the project.”
The lessons from 2005 should have provided a type of relation that should have averted such a problem from reoccurring. It needs urgent attention to prevent losses of millions on both sides.
Source: Foroyaa
GNTCA on blockade at borders
By Alhagie F.S Sora
Published on Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Reports reaching this paper have it that the Senegal Transport Union s has ince last week closed the Senegalese/Gambian borders to vehicles crossing the borders. This report prompted this paper to make urgent enquires from the Gambia National Transport Control Association to find out whether they are aware of it and what their position is on the issue.
The Secretary General of the Gambia National Transport Control Association (GNTCA) Mr. Sheriff Dibba, yesterday Sunday 19 January 2014 said his Union (GNTCA) was not aware of the closure of the borders.
He added that they were not also informed by their sister union in Senegal regarding the closure. However, he invited this reporter to his office today Monday 20 January 2014 to furnish him with further information after making the necessary consultation with their sister union in Senegal on the issue.
CULLED FROM THE DAILY OBSERVER DAILY OBSERVER,
7 January 2014 The acting managing director of The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has made clarification on the new tariff scheme currently being enforced by his institution, saying the measure is not targeting at anybody or a particular group of individuals, especially Senegalese drivers.
The scheme, he explained, is meant to harmonise the tariff system at all ferry- crossing points in the country. Ousman Jobarteh was speaking to the Daily Observer on the sidelines of the Ports’ three-day departmental retreat in Kanilai.
The new tariff that took effect on 1st January 2014 required all foreign registered vehicles to pay for ferry services either in CFA, Dollar or the Euro. But it appeared to raise misunderstanding among some drivers, notably Senegalese.
Further commenting on this, Jobarteh clarified, “The GPA management operates a tariff that is in two components - for the local vehicle and foreign vehicles; so it’s not really targeted at the Senegalese despite the fact that they are the majority of our customers particularly at the Trans-Gambia crossing point.”
He went on, “We gave them a notice that we are harmonising the foreign currency tariff across all the crossing points including the Trans-Gambia. If you are aware, the same [thing] that operates at the Barra-Banjul crossing point and we are just trying to harmonise and replicate the same in other crossing points,” DMD Jobarteh told our reporter.
The Ports no.2 pointed out that this development is not something new to transport owners and operators. While noting that the GPA management had engaged the Senegalese Transport Union in November 2013, he said a GPA mission was sent to meet them at their headquarters in Dakar.
He informed that the Union was adequately sensitised with the tariff that is now being implemented. “We believe that a reasonable and adequate notice was given by the virtue of the fact that more than 45 days was given for them to consult among themselves,” he indicated.
He however noted that the GPA is open for further dialogue with the Senegalese Transport Union, as they are out to satisfy their customers.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2014 : 00:14:51
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APP PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION AND GOOGLE ASSISTED FRENCH TO ENGLISH TRANSLATED NEWS WITH FOLLOWING REPORT:
Published Monday, January 20, 2014 and reported;
Gambian border: Partial lifting of the blockade by Senegalese drivers
The (Senegalese) carriers have suspended their movement's mood (on the Senegal/Gambia border crossings dispute caused by the Farafeni ferry tray crossing). This is a partial lifting of the blockade because of Gamou Medina Baye and Ndiassane("Maulud Nabi" or commemoration of birth of holy Prohet Muhammad MPUH). The transport union had adopted the same attitude (and position on the situation) with Gamou Tivaouane.
Since a few weeks ago, the Senegalese drivers observe a strike movement - no (Senegalese) transport vehicle is not crossinging the ferry of (Bamba Tenda/Yelli Tenda at) Gambia "Farafegne" (Farafeni)- -to protest against the increase in the tax of crossing. It is increased from 40 to 60 thousand cfa without prior consultation. Their Gambian counterparts have moreover, boycotted the meetings convened for this purpose by the Senegalese drivers. Users can therefore take advantage of these hours to travel smoothly pending the (re)closure of the border.
Source: Seneweb News |
Edited by - kobo on 29 Jan 2014 00:56:09 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2014 : 22:45:27
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1. RESTRICTIONS AT SENEGAL-GAMBIA BORDERS CONTINUE
Senegal Amdalai/Gambia Karang border
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Following the unannounced restrictions on the movements of vehicles at the Senegal-Gambia borders which resumed on Thursday last week, there is still no easing of the stand-off after the reported meeting of officials from the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and Senegalese transport union representatives at the Kerr Ayib border post on Sunday, 26 January 2014. The restrictions are affecting the crossing points at Karang/Amdalai, Kerr Ayib/Kerr Ali and Senoba/Soma. Talking over the phone yesterday to Gibi Ngom, Vice President of the Karang branch of the Senegal road transport union regarding the current situation at the border, he said they are still enforcing the restrictions at their border crossing until their demands are met.
He said there is the need for the authorities of the two countries to sit down and address these perennial border problems once and for all. He also directed this reporter to contact one of their union representatives at Kerr Ayib for an update of the situation there.
When asked which types of vehicles are affected, he said all commercial and official vehicles are not allowed to cross the borders.
When contacted, Elhajj Ndao, the Senegalese transport union representative at the Kerr Ayib/Kerr Ali border crossing, confirmed that the status quo is still the same as vehicles are not allowed to cross to either side of the border.
He said the restrictions which started before the Muslim ‘Mawlud’ or ‘Gamo’ were suspended for one week to allow the religious faithful to grace the event in the two countries but that it has resumed since Thursday. He explained that the restrictions are precipitated by the sudden introduction of the payment of CFA by Senegalese vehicles crossing on board the Trans-Gambia ferry on Gambian soil.
He said there was no prior consultation and that for them to be forced to use CFA and not the Dalasi on Gambian soil is unacceptable. Ndao said the issue needs to be resolved urgently and amicably as the two countries are closely related and should enjoy good neighbourliness.
Foroyaa has been making frantic efforts to get the version of the GPA or the transport union in the Gambia, but without success. We will continue with the efforts to get the version of the ports or ferry officials on the matter.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News
2. Senegal-Gambia relations
Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2014
It is an undeniable fact that The Gambia and Senegal are obliged to live together harmoniously because of our cultural and family ties.
People of the two countries, especially our leaders, should have a common understanding and aspiration to move the vision of Senegambia forward in unison; nothing less nothing more.
As we always emphasise on these pages, the two governments should put emphasis on cooperation in key areas, notably security, trade, free movement of people and goods......
Source: The Point Editorial & full report |
Edited by - kobo on 29 Jan 2014 23:36:33 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2014 : 11:59:10
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1. A VERY GOOD EDITORIAL FROM FREEDOM ONLINE NEWS;
Editorial: Gambia/Senegal Border Closure: Does The Senegalese Transport Union Reserve The Right To Close The Border???
The Gambia/Senegal border debacle is seriously hampering the free movement of people and goods as envisaged by an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, which was signed by the two sister neighboring countries. Sadly, both governments are apparently refusing to engage each other to resolve the matter amicably. At the end of the day, poor commuters will suffer as a result of the border closure. Businesses will also be seriously affected due to border shutdown......
Source: Freedom News & more full report
2. Senegalese Transport Unionists Restrict Movement of Vehicles at Gambia-Senegal Borders
Published on Friday, 31 January 2014 | Written by Mustapha Jallow
The vice President of the Senegalese National Transport Union at Karang, Mr Gibi Ngom, has said that the closure and restriction of the Senegal-Gambia borders to vehicle plying the two countries is intensifying and as a result, the movement of all types of vehicles is been restricted into both countries.
Mr Ngom who was speaking to this reporter in an interview at Karang, noted that holding talks over the matter with the Gambian authorities is in the offing.
He added that they have approached the GPA with a view to hammering out an amicable solution to the matter.
He added that their proposed meeting with the authorities of the GPA is likely to be held on Sunday, 2nd February, 2014 at Kerr Ayib.
Source: Foroyaa Burning Issues |
Edited by - kobo on 01 Feb 2014 12:09:19 |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2014 : 21:10:03
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"He added that they have approached the GPA with a view to hammering out an amicable solution to the matter.
He added that their proposed meeting with the authorities of the GPA is likely to be held on Sunday, 2nd February, 2014 at Kerr Ayib."
PROBABLY didn't happen, surprising that  |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 07 Feb 2014 21:12:31 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2014 : 23:33:10
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 Transport truck in Senegal.
1. Senegal: the boycott Transgambienne paralyzes trade with the Casamance
Source: Maafanta.com with RFI- Google French Translated News
Since 1 January 2014, Senegalese carriers boycotting the passage of Transgambienne. The problem is crystallized around currency payment: Senegalese carriers refuse to pay the crossing in CFA francs, as required by the Gambian authorities. But beyond this disagreement,the boycott paralyzes much of the trade between the Casamance, a landlocked region located in southern Senegal and the Senegalese capital.
First result of this boycott: individuals who take the road take three times time to connect Ziguinchor to Dakar. Crossing the Gambia, they are forced to do what is called "step", that is to say, taking several vehicles on either side of the border. The waiting time is so random and prices much more expensive route. Others bypass the Gambia through Tambacounda, but the trip lasts three days and costs by shared taxi, 17,500 CFA francs, an increase of 8,000 francs compared to the regular route.
Another result of this boycott, the increase in commodity prices. "Previously, evidenced by a trader Bignona joint RFI, I paid between 500,000 and 600,000 CFA francs for conveying and dried firewood to Dakar fish." But bypassing the Gambia, the fare is twice. Now the merchant has to pay more than one million CFA francs to move its products. Other less fortunate sellers see their perishable goods rot after several days on the road.
Even concern, expressed by the Chamber of Commerce Ziguinchor evidencing the slowdown in business and fears for the local economy. The situation is such that a press gathering of religious sages and Casamance carriers was created. This small group hopes to find common ground with the Gambian authorities this week.
Maafanta.com
2. Deserted Bamba /Yelitenda Ferry Crossing
Source: Maafanta.com
Senegalese commercial drivers deserted our crossing points. The site was empty.
Only a few businesses are operational as most of the little shops are all closed and deserted. Out of the 30 operational shops, only 4 was open.
The impact of the non-compliance of the Senegalese on the payment of the ferry services with Senegalese CFA instead of our dalasi is devastating.
Why would the the Gambian authorities/government throw their own money for another country’s money people asked?....
Read Full Story By Bubacar Jallow , Gambia
3. Senegalese Transport Union meets GPA authorities
Foroyaa Burning Issues News: Published on Friday, 07 February 2014 | Written by Alagi F. S. Sora
A delegation from the Senegalese region of Casamance on Monday 3rd February 2014 met authorities of the Gambia Ports Authority to negotiate the issue of the border closure imposed on both countries by Senegalese unions since last month. The delegation was led by the Secretary General of the Senegalese Transport Union, the CNTS/FC Mr. Ousmane THIAM DiT THIAMAS.
Mr. Ousmane THIAM DiT THIAMAS, the Secretary General of one of the Senegalese Transport Unions CNTS/FC said that he is the Secretary General as mentioned earlier but he has come with the delegation from the Casamance region of Senegal to meet the authorities of the Gambia Ports Authority with a view to negotiating the issue of the border which he admitted is affecting the entire region.
He said the negotiation has made some head way, adding that they have agreed to use the old Tariff for a week and during the week they would be discussing the modalities on how to go about the whole issue. He said the second thing they have also agreed on is that if any Senegalese vehicle wants to pay in CFA then the load on that particular vehicle will not be paid for.
However, he said if a driver wants to pay in dalasi then everything on that particular vehicle would be paid for separately. He said this is what they have agreed on, and the old Tariff will be used tentatively before the issue is fully finalised. He said they deem it necessary to come and meet the Gambian Authorities to find a sustainable solution to the issue rather than allowing the issue to continue to affect everyone in the region.
Mr. Ousman Drammeh, the President of the Gambia Transport Union was also consulted at his office in Kanifing on the recent development on the issue. He said a delegation met the GPA authorities to discuss the issue but he said they were not invited to that meeting.
He commended the Casamance delegation for such a giant step to mediate the border issue. He called on the stakeholders to endeavour to remedy the situation. Attempts to get the views of the Gambia Ports Authorities before going to press was unsuccessful.
This reporter was informed by the secretary that the Acting Managing Director was in a meeting.
Foroyaa |
Edited by - kobo on 07 Feb 2014 23:47:44 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2014 : 00:21:42
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1. SENEGAL’S MALA FIDE TOWARDS THE GAMBIA
Written BY PHILOMEN MENDY
Let me state at the start that the views expressed here are my own, and that I have no expressed authority to speak on behalf of GMC on this matter. Yet my views are shaped by my domestic partisan inclinations. Many of us are very concerned about the Senegalese transit border closure currently in force against The Gambia. In real economic terms, the blockade costs The Gambia inestimable millions of Dalasi with direct adverse impact on hundreds of thousands of lives in both countries. It is an unwise act, contrary to ECOWAS Protocols and good neighbour principles, and unhelpful in nurturing healthy bilateral relations. It is curious that a private association such as the Senegalese Transport Union is able to flex such extraordinary coercive jurisdiction, reserved exclusively and exercisable only by the State of Senegal on so sensitive an international affair.
The Senegalese Transport Union is not the State of Senegal. It is a private association with no legal or constitutional role in the government of the State of Senegal. It is not an arm or agency of the State. It is purely a private body wholly composed of private Senegalese citizens with no law enforcement powers under Senegalese law. It is inconceivable that the Union could amass the brazen audacity to effectively imposing and enforcing a comprehensive territorial blockade against a sovereign State. Clearly such audacity has to have the latent, if not the expressed sanctioning of the only Authority in Senegal with the power to do so. It is shameful.
In international law, only a government of a State is competent to seal its borders or pursuant to a resolution of a comity of nations. The contrary is not known anywhere in international relations, except Senegal. In this anomalous situation we confront, a private local Transport Union is by implication elevated to the status of a competent State agency that Gambian State authorities, must negotiate with. This does not inspire respect for our sovereignty. It is manifest contempt of the highest order. It is unacceptable.....
SOURCE: Maafanta.com & full report
2. Is progress Being Made on Border issue? As GNTCA, STU and GPA Negotiation Goes On
Published on Friday, 21 February 2014 | Written By Alhagie F.S Sora & Mustapha Jallow
The Gambia National Transport Control Association (GNTCA) Wednesday 19 February 2014 hosted a meeting together with the sister Transport Unions in Senegal and the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) at its headquarters in Banjul to discuss the reopening of the border between the Gambia and Senegal which is closed to commercial vehicles since January 1st 2014. Speaking shortly after the meeting, the President of the Gambia National Transport Control Association (GNTCA) Alagi Mumenu Sey said the meeting was attended by Mr. Mor-Guye Geng, the Secretery General, representative of a Senegalese transport union, headed by Alassan Ndoye, the Gambia Ports Authority and National Transport Control Association (GNTCA) to discuss the Gambia/Senegal border blockade affecting the two countries.
He said that the meeting was held to discuss the matter. He added that they were able to come to terms and have agreed to finally open the Karang Amdalai Border by Thursday 20 February 2014. He added that negotiations are ongoing to open the rest of the borders between the two countries. Even though the negotiation is still on, the President expressed optimism that all the borders would soon be reopened.
Mr. Sheriff Dibba, the Secretary General of the Gambia National Transport Control Association said the three stakeholders have met in Banjul and that their negotiation has gone far. Efforts to confirm the opening of the Karang Amdalai border with the Gambia Ports Authority was not possible at the time of going to press. However, this reporter was told to return for an interview on Monday 24 February 2014.
It could be recalled that the border between the Gambia and Senegal is closed by the Senegalese transport unions since the 1st day of January 2014 following the tariff laid down by the Gambia Ports Authority compelling foreign vehicles to pay rates in CFA currency as well as the increment of the tariff which did not go down well with the Senegalese unionists motivating them to protest by closing the border to commercial vehicles.
In another development, in an interview with the President of the Gambia Transport Union (GTU), he indicated that he is informed that the Karang/Amdalai border would be opened to vehicles as from Thursday February 20.
Mr Drammeh recalled the experiences of 9 vehicles that were on their way to Senegal to load goods with legal papers, but were denied entry into Senegal and attacked as a result of ongoing border closure and blockade at Amdalai/Karang entry point. He indicated that the GPA should have consulted the Gambia transport union before issuing a new tariff for the Senegalese transports.
Those people should look at the ILO protocols and recognise our presence as a Gambian established transport union, he concluded. Mr Gibi Ngom’s View On the Incident In a Telephone interview, the Vice President of the Senegalese National Transport Union at Karang, Mr Gibi Ngom, aslo shed light on the matter.
He noted that they did not intend to harm or attack the Gambian truck drivers at the Amdalai/Karang, border but the issue went out of hand and beyond control when the Gambian drivers forced their way at the entry point and this eventually led to a reaction against them. “We don’t attack, but retaliated after the Gambian drivers forced their way to cross our closed border,” said Mr. Mr Gibi Ngom, President of the Senegalese National Transport Union at Karang told Foroyaa. Speaking to the Senegalese Transport Union representative at the Kerr Ayib/Kerr Ali border post, Mr Elhajj Ndoa opined that the borders are not reopened.
“How can we open the crossing point if no formal agreement is reached or announced?” He asked. Mr Ndoa added that they’re not allowing the passage of vehicles and things would intensify if no agreement is reached between the GPA and the Senegalese transport unionists.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
Edited by - kobo on 26 Feb 2014 00:22:24 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2014 : 01:31:01
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GAMBIA/SENEGAL BORDERS STILL CLOSED “No Agreement Reached”
Published on Friday, 21 March 2014 | Written by Mustapha Jallow
It is more than 2 months now since restrictions on the movement of vehicles is imposed at the Senegal-Gambia border crossings by the Senegalese road transport unions who are yet to reach an agreement with the officials of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) whose decision to introduce the payment of foreign currency at the ferries sparked off the crisis.
This border crisis, which commenced on 1st January 2014, has resulted in the drastic slowing down of economic activities in the once thriving business centers of Farafenni, Kerr Ayib, Kerr Ali, and the Bamba Tenda -Yelitenda crossing points.
In a recent telephone interview with Elhajj Ndao, the representative of the Senegalese transport union at the Kerr Ayib/Kerr Ali border crossing, he told this medium that the situation still remains same as there is deadlock since the two concern parties have not reached any agreement to resolve the matter.
“No discussion or agreement to the settle the border dispute has been made by GPA and the Senegalese transport unions,” revealed Ndao. Mr. Gibi Ngom, the Vice President of the Senegalese transport union at Karang - Amdalai border, clarified that private vehicles are allowed to enter Senegal and Gambia but not the commercial vehicles.
When the GPA was visited to get an official update on the situation, this reporter was told that the Managing Director was on a meeting, while his deputy has travelled out of the country. Contacting the GNTC, they maintained that negotiations are still ongoing and that they will communicate any new development to the media.
Source: Foroyaa Burning Issue News |
Edited by - kobo on 25 Mar 2014 01:40:56 |
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GROWING DISPUTE BETWEEN FERRY SERVICES AND SENEGAL
